The Trumpeter Elkhorn Hills UMC

September 2015 2015 Issue #9

Worship With Us!

SUNDAYS 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Sunday School for all ages

Mark Your Elkhorn Sep 2 Elkhorn Prays 9:00am Ladies Fellowship 10:00am Sep 9 Wednesday Night Activities Resume Wednesday Night Live (children) 6:30pm Linc (youth), Women’s Bible Study, Adult Study on II Peter, Choir rehearsal Praise Team rehearsal 7:30pm Sep 12 United Methodist Men 8:00am Blessing of the Animals 10:00am Bell Chime Clinic 9:00am-Noon Sep 13 SUNDAY CARNIVAL 10:00am Potluck to follow-FLC 11:30am Jr/Sr High Sunday School 10:30am Sep 14 YES meal delivery Noon Book Club (Scooters) 6:30pm Finance Meeting 7:00pm Sep 18 Knit & Sew Group 9:30am Sep 20 Children’s Choir Rehearsal 10:05am

Camp Fontanelle annual BBQ 11:00am Sep 22 Disciple II 11:00am-12:30pm Sep 26 Saturday Night Worship 5:00pm Sep 27 Middle High Mission Trip Mtg. 11:30am Financial Peace University 5:00pm Sep 29 Disciple II 11:00am Dining Out Group 7:00pm

ELKHORN HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 20227 Veterans’ Drive Elkhorn, NE 68022 (402) 289-4764 www.elkhornhillsumc.org

NOTES FROM NANCY

The Finance Committee has set the schedule for our fall stewardship drive and we want to share this with all of you. As you know, this is a most important time of the year as we will be making decisions as to how much money we will have next year and what would be the most fruitful ways of using that money. We will begin this year as we did last year with our Stewardship Fair on October 25 in the Family Life Center. Last year this event was a roaring success and we look forward to the same results this year. The committees and various ministries of the church will set up displays about the work they are currently doing so you can “shop around” and see which of the groups you feel called to join for 2016. Since we do not think only of money when we speak of stewardship, but also think of the use of our time and talents this fair gives all of us the opportunity to become involved in what-ever place we choose. Tom Beeson is heading this fair as he did so well last year and we thank him for doing this in advance. In worship that same day we will begin a series of five sermons based on the books “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” and “Five Practices of Fruitful Liv-ing”, both authored by Robert Schnase, the Bishop of the Missouri area. Bishop Schnase discusses what it means to be a healthy church and also what is means to have a healthy life of service to God and God’s people. The five sermons will focus on (1) Radical Hospitality; (2) Passionate Worship; (3) Intentional Faith Development; (4) Risk-taking Mission and Service’ and (5) Extravagant Generosity. The campaign will culminate on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 29 as we pre-sent our pledges for the new year. This is always a special time in the life of the church as our church family participates in this together. An important note - This campaign will not include the Shares program for debt reduction. That program was begun after the first of the year in 2015 and we will be keeping to that schedule for next year. You will be receiving more information on this at a later date. Here’s a note from Bryan Fraser, our Finance Chairperson - We improve in our financial situation, thanks to all of you, and we need to continue to improve. I am very confident that we will do that. Mostly, I am thankful for all of you. You make Elkhorn Hills the place I want to be! AMEN!!!!

Grace and peace, Nancy

WORSHIP 9:00 AM Usher / Greeter Schedule 10:30 AM

Greeters: Marian Brown & Linda Holloway Ushers: Cathy McKenna & Jo Bash

Sep 6

Sep 13

Greeters: Margie Crumley Ushers: Mike Ough & Margie Crumley

Greeters: Cheryl Parcher & Dianne Ruppe Ushers: Dick Parcher & Dennis Hume

Greeters: Barb Witte Ushers: Jim & Barb Witte

Greeters: Dale & Darla Langendorfer Ushers: Jim & Kim Jirgenson

Sep 20 Greeters: Brenda Ritnour & Ginger Avery Ushers: Greg Gillham & Ginger Avery

Sep 27 Greeters: Tom & Christy Baumert, Cory & Sami Zelfel Ushers: Bob & Jan Heliker

Greeters: Connie Bell Ushers: Steve & Connie Bell

Dear Elkhorn Hills Family, A new school year is upon us and the time for singing has come! We have an exciting year of ministry ahead of us in the Worship and Music area! There are opportunities for musicians of all ages, providing us a complete music experience at Elkhorn Hills. We are thrilled about the endless possibilities this continues to provide! We are blessed here at Elkhorn Hills with a wide array of passionate and gifted musicians. With numerous choir and special music opportunities, as well as seasonal instrumental and hand bell ensembles there is always room for YOU! (A full schedule of musical opportunities is listed below.)

Chancel Choir meets Wednesday evenings 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Provides a wide variety of special music and leading hymns 3 Sundays a month during the 9:00 traditional service. All are welcome! Adult Praise Team meets Wednesday evenings 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM. Provides a wide variety of contemporary music along with special music opportunities during the 10:30 Contemporary Service. All are welcome!

Youth Praise Team (Middle/High School) Rehearsal times TBA. Leads worship for Saturday Night Worship once a month along with special music opportu-nities. Please contact Brett Heckens and Tyler Hughes if you are interested in this opportunity!

Children’s Choir meets Sunday mornings beginning September 20th from 10:05-10:25 AM. We start rehearsal after the 9:00 service ends & finish rehearsal before Sunday School begins. Provides special music during worship services once a month, typically the first Sunday of the month. All children K-5 are welcome! Please contact Heather McBeth for additional information.

Hand Bell Choir meets seasonally. Performs special music on various Sundays throughout the year. Rehearsals TBA. Contact Deb Eidam for more information.

EHUMC Annual Christmas Cantata involves ALL EHUMC choirs, as well as numerous instrumentalists. Singers/Instrumentalists meet seasonally. Rehearsals TBA.

Please contact us to see how you can get involved! Deb Eidam Tyler Hughes Brett Heckens Heather McBeth Music Administrator Director of Music Ministries Youth Praise Team Leader Children’s Choir Director eidamdeb@yahoo.com tylerhughes@elkhornhillsumc.org baheckens@gmail.com hlmcbeth@gmail.com 402-650-0911 308-379-3730 402-213-3450 402-214-6520

Heavenly Bells – Attention all bell ringers, past, present and anyone wanting to learn. Jen Dritley Rehn will be our special guest clinician on Saturday, September 12 from 9-12 am.

Jen will cover basic ringing techniques to more difficult ringing. Please rsvp to Deb at eidamdeb@yahoo.com. This is open to all ages interested.

MUSIC

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

• Preschool begins the week of August 31st • September 7th - NO School/Labor Day

ELKHORN HILLS PRESCHOOL

Welcome Back All Staff and Students

SEPTEMBER IN THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

Sep. 9 Wednesday Night Live Program starts. Ages 3-5th grade. 6:30-7:30pm

Sep. 13 Sunday School Kick Off! 10:00am-Carnival Sunday We are kicking off the Sunday School year with a ROCKING PARTY! We will have lots of games, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, petting zoo and lots more! During the carnival parents will have the opportunity to register their child for Sunday School and learn all about the 2015-2016 school year. Bring your kids, family, and friends. ALL ARE WELCOME! 11:30am-Potluck We are hosting a church wide potluck after the carnival at 11:30am, in the FLC. We are asking anyone attending to bring a side dish. Meat & drinks will be provided.

NOTES FROM THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

We have many exciting changes happening in the Children’s Department for the 2015-2016 school year! Here is an outline of some of those changes:

*New age appropriate and volunteer friendly curriculum: We will be using the SPARKS curriculum for grades Pre-k-2nd grade. This curriculum will provide the children with an age appropriate biblical understand-ing. It is also easy to plan for any volunteer who would like to give teaching a try!

* Snack Shop- The children will have their very own snack shop starting at the beginning of the school year. This snack shop will be man by volunteers. The children are encouraged to stop at the snack shop on their way to Sunday School. We are asking the children to “offer” to feed the dinosaurs belly while they are feeding their own. This is only a suggested donation, as we do want children to help themselves to the snack shop!

* Attendance Super Star- This will be located on the bulletin board in the Education Wing. Each time the child attends Sunday School they have a sticker put on their name tag on the bulletin board. After they collect 10 stickers, they will receive a prize!

* Class offering competition – Our offering competition this year will be by class. You will see the offering chart as you walk into the Education Wing so you are able to monitor its progress. At the end of the year, the class with the most offering will have a party of their choice!

* Quarterly community service talks with volunteering- The Children’s Department will be collaborating with the Youth Program on this activity. We will be having a community service member come and talk with the children 3- 4 times a year. The children will also have the opportunity to go and volunteer at this agency with their parent. Watch for more information.

* Communion- This year the 4-5th graders will be learning about communion. Sharon Dunham will have a lesson for them on communion and its significance. Pastor Nancy will come in and go over the appropriate way to receive communion and touch on the lesson as well. This will take place every year in October on Communion Sunday.

With all of these wonderful changes occurring in the Children’s Department I would like to encourage all mem-ber and non-members to bring their children to Sunday School. It is a fun and exciting way for them to learn about God and how He is always present.

Elkhorn Hills Preschool and Parents' Day Out is back in full swing! The chatter of little ones around the church is music to our ears. We would like to welcome Jennie Kulig to the Par-ents' Day Out staff. Jennie is already a great fit among other staff members and we are blessed to have her. 2-Day Preschool Teachers - Karen Roberg & Brenda Ritnour / Gretchen Robinson & Nicole Mills 3-Day Preschool Teachers - Gretchen Robinson & Michelle Foote 4-Day Preschool Teachers - Angela Heckens & Megan Schafer (AM), Brenda Ritnour (PM) PDO Teachers - Betsy Wood, Courtney Snyder & Jennie Kulig Elkhorn Hills is truly blessed to have each and every one of these ladies on preschool staff. Please stop by anytime and see what is happening around the preschool.

LET’S DO IT! CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: We will start Wednesday, September 9th, 6:30 p.m.

The Storm Inside - Trade the Chaos of How you Feel for

the Truth of Who You are With Sheila Walsh

OPPORTUNITIES CONT.

BREAKFAST CLUB:

Breakfast Club will meet again on Sunday, September 20th. Modern Parables will be the study. They will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room.

GRACE Class - Sunday School 10:30

Grace Class will resume September 20 with a Welcome Brunch and begin the study on God is Not Dead, September 27th at 10:30 in the Grace Room.

REGULAR GATHERINGS CONT.

KNIT & SEW GROUP: From August 9 through September 6 the Knit & Sew Group will be collecting school supplies for the school bags they made. As a mission project these bags & supplies will be sent to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). The Knit & Sew Group meets at the church on the 3rd Friday of the month, 9:30am -11:30am. For more information, contact Jan Heliker.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB

Monday, September 14th - 6:30pm Scooters in Elkhorn

September book review: Love Does

By Bob Goff

Note: On September 4th you can pick up the book The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks-in the church library,

which is October 5th book selection. Remember to sign your name and library code for the book you take.

ELKHORN HILLS PRAYS: All are welcome to join us to pray for our Church, Nation and People.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 9:00 AM in the Grace Room at Elkhorn Hills

OPPORTUNITIES

LADIES’ FELLOWSHIP Come enjoy laughter, treats, and uplifting conversation with us! The more the mer-rier, and we love to see new faces!

Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 AM at Donut Professor: 204th & Dodge behind DQ

REGULAR GATHERINGS

YES -YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES

Once again, we had tremendous support for our YES Meal in August. Thank you to everyone who helped! The staff at YES was especially excited to see all of the fresh grapes and apples we provided.

We will be taking our September meal down on Sept. 14th. Here is a list of what we need for September: Two people to make a crock pot of sloppy joes. A total of 60 hamburger buns. Three people to make a 9x13 pan of scalloped or cheesy potatoes. Two people to make/purchase a veggie tray. Three people to donate 3 dozen cookies each. A couple jars of pickles would also be great! Thank you for your continued dedication to this project. To help, please contact LuAnn Dritley at 402-689-1083 or dritley@cox.net.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDY Wednesday evening study on 2nd Peter will resume September 9th. RC Hoover will lead the session. Class starts at 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Worship at 11:00 & 5:00 by Rev. Lance Clay Food Service: 12:00-3:00 Silent Auction: 12:30-2:30 (including bidding for rides on the Husker Helicopter) Live Auction begins at 2:00 (beautifully pieced quilts, camp t-shirt & “the Hat”)

Zipline/2 Jumping Pillows/Puppet Shows Live Music/ Face Painting

9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE

Go to Campfontanelle.com for more details

DINING OUT Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm, Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante at 15701 Pacific will be the dining pleasure for Elkhorn Hills. Come enjoy the great food and wonderful fellowship. We will order off the menu and will receive sepa-rate checks for your convenience. There is a sign up sheet in the narthex posted on the office win-dow. To help with reservations, Sunday Septem-ber 27 will be the last day to sign up. Any ques-tions, regarding this dining out event, contact Bob Nelson or the church office.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Construction has started. All scheduled work days are Friday afternoons and Saturdays. To help with construction you can show up at the home site, 23403 Denton Street, Waterloo and see the project superintendent. To provide break/lunch items go online to vol-unteer. Meal providers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4caea622a64-elkhorn3 Questions? Jim Jirgenson is our contact jirgensonjames@yahoo.com

LLB (Ladies Lunch Bunch) Will lunch together on the last Wednesday of the month. All ladies are welcome. August Lunch was fantastic, at Simply Delicious!!

Next lunch date Sept. 30 Lunch location to TBD.

Location will be published in upcoming SHOUTS and Bulletins

UMM (United Methodist Men) United Methodist Men meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 8:00 am, at the church in the Conference Room. Next meeting, Sept 12 Breakfast, devotion and possibly grounds work afterwards. All men in-vited.

ANNUAL BBQ & AUCTION

Financial Peace University Dave Ramsey’s class will again be offered this fall at Elkhorn Hills. This nine-week class will run from Sept. 27 to Nov. 22nd. The classes meet on Sunday evenings from 5:00 - 6:30pm. Childcare will be provided. Brett Ritter will be the facilitator. Registration closes on Sunday, September 13th. Call Bonnita Sherburne 402-289-1906 or call the church office for more infor-mation.

the big garden

Elkhorn Hills Victory Garden

The garden is doing well. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, onions, and more have been harvested to date. COPE has received vegetables and some Elkhorn Hills’ church family have given a free will offering for different produce. The VBS kiddos planted pumpkin seeds in July and there are many plants and blos-soms...hopefully there will be an abundant pumpkin crop. Harley Dirtflinger is doing his best to keep the deer from eating the popcorn. He has been heard praying, he would like to make kettle corn this winter. Pray we have a good harvest!

(COPE) is looking for a volunteer Treasurer to start the 1st of January, 2016. The Treasurer will have custody of all funds, property, and securities of the Corporation, subject to such regulations as may be imposed by the Board of Directors. Important skills required would include knowledge of and experience with Quick Books; strong general competencies with bookkeeping, financial auditing, accounting and finance; and a commitment to the mission and goals of COPE. If you have an interest in or would like additional information, please contact your COPE Board Member or Jim Buckler (present treasurer) at 402-871-3639 or jbuckit48@gmail.com.

Blessing of the Animals SEPTEMBER 12TH , 10:00 AM

Elkhorn Hills will hold an annual blessing of the animals. Gather on the back lawn of the church on Saturday, September 12th where Pastor Nancy will bless your loving pets.

YOUTH GROUP SCOOP!!

***All of these events are for the Sr. AND Middle High group**** LinC (Living in Christ) – This group meets on Wednesday evenings (6:30-7:30 p.m.) in the Sr. High youth room and is led by Kip Meyer and Erin Hullinger. 6th through 12th graders meet together, then break into small groups according to age groups to discuss the lesson for the evening. Bring a friend and come see what it’s all about.

**YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th Following the Potluck! Contact Jackson Thompson for more information**

Seeking 1-2 adults to help lead Wednesday evening youth group from 6:30-7:00 p.m. AND ONE Adult for Mid-High Sunday School and ONE Adult for Sr. High Sunday School. This is a chance to share your faith and to meet some amazing young people who are eager and anxious to learn more about Jesus Christ through everyday experiences. Please contact Jenny Louis if you would like to volunteer!

MIDDLE & SR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th from 6:30-7:30 in the SR. HIGH YOUTH ROOM! Games, learning more about God, friendship/fellowship, food, laughter…what’s not to love? Come join us and bring your friends! See you there!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th! The Middle & Sr. High Sunday School classes will resume on Sunday, September 13th at 10:30 a.m. Youth should come to their respective classrooms at 10:30. Then, we will be heading outside to participate in some fun activities JUST FOR YOU! Come join our amazing group of teachers and youth who want to share their faith with you! REMINDER: SR. HIGH MISSION TRIP REGISTRATION FORMS AND $50 DEPOSIT DUE BY SEPTEMBER 13th! July 17-22nd Pine Ridge, SD. (Cost $419 + transportation fees). Contact Jenny Louis or visit the website for registration forms and more information.

THE YOUTH INVITE YOU TO COME AND WORSHIP WITH THEM ON THE LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH at 5 p.m. This worship service is for the EN-TIRE CONGREGATION! We have contemporary Christian music, uplifting messages, communion and time together worshiping God. It’s casual and relaxed and a

chance to worship Jesus and grow together. Bring a friend and come hear uplifting messages, praise music and scripture. We need youth and adults to assist with the AV/Media Shout system, sharing your message, serving communion, reading scripture and helping out in other ways for the service. If you want to help with these services, by giving the message, reading scripture or serving communion, please contact Jenny Louis or a member of Youth Council. Watch for special guest speakers throughout the year and bring your family to these uplifting worship services.

MIDDLE HIGH MISSION TRIP MEETING (Conference Room) - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th Following the 2nd Service. (6th graders in the Fall of 2016 through 8th grade in the Fall of 2016).

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15th – SAVE THE DATE AND START PUTTING YOUR TEAMS TOGETHER FOR THIS FUN, WORTHWHILE CAUSE! FOURTH ANNUAL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT!! (Check-in time: 12:30 p.m.; Tournament Runs from 1-5:00 p.m. approximately). YOUTH: Contact Jenny Louis or Jackson Thompson if you’d like to Co-Chair this event. DEADLINE TO REGISTER TEAMS: NOVEMBER 11th!!! This tournament helps our youth and congregation adopt families in our community who may be in need of assistance at Christmastime. START PLANNING NOW AND PUT YOUR TEAM TOGETHER to help make this a fun, heartwarming event again this year. TEAMS ARE OPEN IN TWO BRACKETS THIS YEAR: Elementary (4th, 5th and 6th graders) and Youth/Adult Teams (7th Grade to Adults). Invite your friends and let’s fill the gym again this year!! Youth Emergency Services Youth will be joining us that day – let’s help make them feel at home at Elkhorn Hills! SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 19th the Middle & Sr. High Youth *(ALL FAMILIES ARE ALSO INVITED TO JOIN IN THIS FUN DAY!) – We will be going to Heartland Hope Mission to help with their Christmas Party. Families come to Heartland Hope on this day to shop for their children’s Christmas presents and receive a ham or turkey to take home. We will be helping with the party. Watch for more details coming soon! Contact Jenny Louis if you are interested in participating on this day.

SAVE THE DATES: JANUARY 15-16, 2016 – MIDDLE & SR. HIGH WINTER RETREAT! Lynne Heneghan will be our guest worship leader for the weekend. You won’t want to miss this awesome experience. Co-Chairs Needed. Contact Jenny Louis to Co-Chair this amazing weekend! Cost $25 (Scholarships available). Registration forms and more details coming soon!

YOUTH MISSION STATEMENT “Elkhorn Hills Youth Ministry exists to EXPOSE teenagers to God’s love while preparing them to SHARE God’s word, and EXALT in the Lord, all while OFFERING their services to

the Lord and CONNECTING with others.

ADULT STUDIESADULT STUDIESADULT STUDIESADULT STUDIES

The GRACE Adult Sunday School class is a fun, active group that enjoys fellowship and community service. If you have a project, mission, or study idea, come share it with us. GRACE class meets during the Sunday School hour in the classroom down the hall from the office. Please join us for our Welcome Brunch on Sep-tember 20th, the first day of Sunday School. Come see what GRACE class has planned for the coming year. Contact Lena Beeson: 5bees1@cox.net; or cell 402-319-2071.Our study, "God is NOT Dead" will start on September 27th.

About this Bible Study: Do you know what you believe? Are you prepared to defend it? In today's anti-Christian culture, every Christian needs to have a firm foundation and be prepared to stand for their faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..." (NIV). But many people today do not know why or what they believe and are not prepared to defend their faith, let alone take a stand for it when opposition and persecution come. Based on the hit movie, God's Not Dead, this 6-week study will help you be prepared to defend of your faith. It will give you a strong foundation of Scripture and evidence to stand on that will not only help you stay strong, but allow you to reach friends and family for Christ. This study guide includes the following six lessons:

Get Prepared - Learn and know the evidence for the existence of God through the truth of His word and the world He made. Have No Fear - Be confident as you step out and share the reasons to believe. Embrace the Evidence - The beginning of the universe points to a creator. Marvel at the Design - The complexity of life points to an intelligent Designer. Understand God's Purpose - Making sense of evil and suffering in a broken world. Share the Message - Start the adventure of sharing God's truth to the world around you. By mastering the foundations of faith, you should be able to not only survive the assault of skepticism but thrive in any setting regardless of the challenge - and help others as well. In the end you will be able to confidently proclaim to anyone in any setting: God's Not Dead!

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Breakfast Club – Fall 2015 The Breakfast Club meets in the Conference Room Sunday mornings -- 10:30 AM -- Beginning September 20

Modern Parables—an innovative new DVD will be used for the classes. The six Parables will each be portrayed within a Modern Setting by a DVD Mini-drama. Discussions for the 12 week class will be interesting, entertaining and thought provoking.

Each member of the class will receive a study guide. Please join us!

======================================================================================================== Wednesday Night Women’s Bible Study Beginning on Wed, September 16th – at 6:30 PM, meet in the Conference Room. All women in the church are welcome to join this wonderful group of Women.

The study for this fall is Sheila Walsh’s The Storm Inside, an 8-session, video-based small group Bible study, which will encourage you to trust God even when you are in the midst of chaotic storms. The companion study guide will lead you and your group deeper into the teachings with session-by-session discussion topics, personal re-flection, and between-session studies. In this video-based study by Sheila Walsh, she unpacks the stories of women from the Bible to show you that you, too, can over-come the lies of the enemy and live as the daughter of the King, even in the midst of daily storms.

Each Member will be given a Study Guide – If able, please contribute $9.00 for the book. ================================================================================================================================

8th Annual Garage Sale Wrap Up! Thank-you, Elkhorn Hills, for supporting the garage sale. Once again, it can't be done without all of us pulling together! LuAnn, Lena, Cathy, Elaine, the Steve’s, Gayle, Jan, Jane, the Nancy’s, Tillie, Scott, Rick, Howard, Mary, Brenda, Holts, the Connie’s, Lori, Kim, Ashley, Kristine, etc...You All Rock!! Yeah, we made over $12,000 for missions but here are the real stories why we do this.

A Valley, NE, gentleman, known to some of our members, needed furniture. He has been through a rough time and recently moved back from FL. We gave him discounts. He tearfully told me, "Nebraska people are good people!"

Several women were buying fabric for their church groups. Some make quilts, others make pillow cases for domestic violence shelters. One lady came all the way from Exeter, NE.

A Hispanic man was buying lots of soccer shoes to send back to his home country. There were college kids buying comfy chairs for their dorm rooms. A lady who does foster care in her home was grateful for the variety of children's clothes.

I could go on & on about the individuals we helped. Here is a list of the non-profits we helped: the Humane Society; COPE; YES; New Life Thrift store; Tip Top Thrift store; the Open Door Mission. Gayle is taking antique clothing to a theatre group. I am going to take men's suits to a high school "career closet". It was kind of like the loaves and fish that Jesus distributed to the many. Next year, we will be dividing the responsibilities and multiplying the fun. Please be aware that the Missions committee will be asking for your help with categories like moving the furniture, organizing the donations, pricing, sales, clean-up, etc. That way it all does not fall on one person.

by Stan Holt

CHURCH FAMILY

BIRTHDAYS!

1 GREGORY ROBERG 2 JOE ZELFEL 2 SHANE GRAEVE 2 JASON GILLMAN 2 MICHELLE GENT 3 SIDNEY SHEPPARD 3 COREY LEHN 3 CHLOE WILSON 3 RUTH KNIGHT 4 JAMIE MONROE 4 HELENA SANCHEZ 4 WYATT HANSEN 4 SCOTT SUTTON 4 TIMOTHY UEHLING 5 GAGE CAMMACK 5 ASHLEY HOLTZ 5 TODD LANGAN 6 CAROLINE HAASE 6 RONALD BERTUCCI 6 KAREN SPRACKLIN 6 REX CAMMACK 6 NATALIE REED 6 GAGE HAGEMAN 8 NICOLE SPANGLER 8 MARIAN HANSEN 9 JESSICA SCHAFER 9 KAILEY ROBERG 9 DEANNA BARNES 9 TARA WISDOM 10 KEVIN NICHOLS 10 BEAU MORGAN 11 KYLE LOZIER 11 EMILY NORDSTROM 12 ALLAN LOZIER 12 LORI HULLINGER 12 TODD BERTUCCI 12 THOMAS BEESON

ANNIVERSARIES!

THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE NEWSLETTER!

• Please email entries to the church office at office@elkhornhillsumc.org. Entries should include copy-ready text and all chosen graphics.

• Entries received by the 20th of the month will be reviewed for inclusion in the next month’s issue.

• Please be advised that entries may be edited to fit within allotted space and to help ensure a positive reading experience for all.

• Thank you. We look forward to reading your contributions!

I made it back! Sometimes I surprise me… Well, not just sometimes. But, in all honesty, I am genuinely, sur-prised every time I surprise myself! Every time I get back, I swear I’ll never go back. It’s mostly the heat & humidity, the noise, the smoke, the noise, the dirt, the heat, the hard chairs in the hotel dining room, the noise, and of course the heat & humid-ity. But that’s all just because I’m selfish. It’s the people. I’ve gotten too close to some of the people and their lives. And when you sit down and talk to Jamaicans, you are involved in their lives. They are mostly honest, and friendly and they will draw you in. No time here to tell you the details, but trust me.

1 JASON & JENNIFER GILLMAN 2 JEFF & MEGHAN WILSON 7 DERRICK & NICOLE PETERSON 11 RANDY & GINA BRUNER 13 WALTER & LYNN CRAFT 13 DENNY & MICHAL HUME 16 JOEL & SHAINI CARNEY 16 DAN & DENICE VAN VLEET 17 HUGHES MORRIS & MARGARET ELLEY 18 CRAIG & ASHLEY BOSSERT 20 BRIAN & JILL SCHUKAR 26 RON & PEGGY BERTUCCI 28 JEREMIAH & ERIN SZYNSKIE

12 NICOLE PETERSON 13 DAVID DUNHAM 13 KRISTINA DUNHAM 14 BRENDA KLANDERUD 14 AMANDA MCMENAMIN 14 GREGORY GALE 15 RICH BUCHANAN 16 CALI WISDOM 17 KEVIN HOWELL 17 ELLA GRAEVE 17 SHAINI CARNEY 17 RYAN GENT 17 BENJAMIN TROFHOLZ 17 ADALYN HARRIE 18 BECKY WISE 19 JACE CARNEY 19 KATHLEEN UEHLING 19 NANCY SHERWOOD 19 REBECCA CROUCH 20 ELLIOTT WILSON 21 LINDSEY SPIEGEL 21 KIMBERLEE REYNOLDS 21 JAMES SIDES 21 MICHAEL SCHAFER 22 ROBERT BARNES 23 DAVID VAN VLEET 23 FRED GRABHER 24 JEFFREY WIEBELHAUS 24 STEVEN RIDDELL 25 GRAYSON VANDERHEIDEN 25 JULI RAHFELDT 28 DEBRA EIDAM 29 JANET HELIKER 29 LAUREL ROBINSON 29 JAMES WITTE 29 DENISE BOND 30 CHLOE LANGLAND

CELEBRATIONS !

ELKHORN HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 20227 Veteran’s Drive Elkhorn NE 68022

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